For fans of small, solar field watches; there's a new kid on the block
I just saw that Vaer quietly released exactly the watch I was hoping for this year. It's not even added to the featured sections of their website yet.
So, Vaer now offers a 36mm version of their popular Tactical Field Solar watch, previously only available in 40mm.
The smaller version of the Tactical Field Solar loses the date complication of its bigger sibling, but keeps the inner, 24-hr track and the rest of the dial design.
It has the same movement, specs, and case as their C3 Korean Field Solar and comes with all the Vaer minimums; 316 steel case, sapphire AR crystal, 100m WR, screwdown caseback and crown, and two straps. The watch is USA assembled with a Japanese movement.
It's an A11 style watch, but with a modern twist and a tactical look. The lume performance is supposed to be pretty good, but I've not seen it in person.
I love solar watches and field watches, so I'm always excited about this kind of release. This is likely going to end up in the collection this year.
Anyone planning on picking this up? Is there another solar field watch you like better?
Jack of all trades, master of fun. Casio fan, 80s kid, polymath, all-around nerd. Beware: I use watches for their intended purpose. 😱
Thanks for the heads up, they look good!
For what it's worth, I have seen two in the field at some joint training courses I've been too. Both owners loved them for what it's worth.
I have the 40mm version and the lume is excellent. This smaller size is a great addition to their solar lineup
I already have a C3 Korean Field Solar, but this one is still tempting.
Field watches are the best, and Solar watches are the best.
This is really cool. I love the USA angle Vaer has been going for. Still hoping to someday see a field watch with a date complication and full made in the USA on the dial (Ameriquartz movement)
Yay, happy to see this! The perfect size for me, and solar is awesome. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for the heads up, they look good!
For what it's worth, I have seen two in the field at some joint training courses I've been too. Both owners loved them for what it's worth.
I have two solar Vaers and they've been great! I particularly like Vaer's ergos in the shape and proportion of their cases. Really comfortable watches.
This is really cool. I love the USA angle Vaer has been going for. Still hoping to someday see a field watch with a date complication and full made in the USA on the dial (Ameriquartz movement)
Unfortunately there just isn't enough specialized American manufacturing right now to make a watch that meets the high standards for "Made in the USA".
Vaer does have 40mm field watches with date complication that are assembled in the US and about 55% US-made (which would be just about good enough for an equivalent Swiss-made designation), but they use Japanese movements. I know that Vaer has made Ameriquartz watches in the past, but I don't think they have any in their current catalog. They have said that they will use the best quality movement for the application, so that may be a matter of Ameriquartz catching up to available Japanese movements. For example, as far as I know, Ameriquartz doesn't offer a solar movement.
I will say though, that I think American assembly is underrated because it gives a watch brand much more control when it comes to QC and making changes in manufacturing, even with parts sourced overseas. I think Vaer may still be the largest independent watch assembler in the US, I'm not sure. But yeah, to get to US made, these kinds of investments in US watch assembly and manufacturing are necessary groundwork.
I already have a C3 Korean Field Solar, but this one is still tempting.
It is a whole different look from the vintage styling and Old Radium, being blacked-out with the modern dial and green-tinted lume. 👀
Unfortunately there just isn't enough specialized American manufacturing right now to make a watch that meets the high standards for "Made in the USA".
Vaer does have 40mm field watches with date complication that are assembled in the US and about 55% US-made (which would be just about good enough for an equivalent Swiss-made designation), but they use Japanese movements. I know that Vaer has made Ameriquartz watches in the past, but I don't think they have any in their current catalog. They have said that they will use the best quality movement for the application, so that may be a matter of Ameriquartz catching up to available Japanese movements. For example, as far as I know, Ameriquartz doesn't offer a solar movement.
I will say though, that I think American assembly is underrated because it gives a watch brand much more control when it comes to QC and making changes in manufacturing, even with parts sourced overseas. I think Vaer may still be the largest independent watch assembler in the US, I'm not sure. But yeah, to get to US made, these kinds of investments in US watch assembly and manufacturing are necessary groundwork.
Yeah I think the one big thing outstanding is lume
Cases can be 3d printed, some machine shops exist in the USA
Aneriquartz is making movements in the USA
But nobody seems to make lume in the USA
Looks amazing on that bracelet
Looks amazing on that bracelet
The PVD bracelet is really slick. It's that super tactical, enhanced soldier turned mercenary in a dystopian future vibe!